POSITION TITLE: Senior Compensation and Benefits Specialist
LOCATION: Remote
CLEARANCE: Must be able to obtain a High-Risk Public Trust
COMPANY OVERVIEW
At APV, we’re more than a technology company — we’re a mission-driven powerhouse transforming organizations through advanced technology and human ingenuity. Our expertise spans AI/ML, data architecture, low-code/no-code development, Agile DevSecOps, and cloud services, delivering scalable and meaningful solutions.
In our Emerging Technology Lab, innovation drives progress. Our teams create intelligent chatbots, AI-powered assistants, robotic process automation (RPA), essay graders, and data analytics platforms. If you’re passionate about solving complex challenges and shaping the future, APV is the place for you. Since 2007, we’ve partnered with federal and state agencies to deliver IT, training, and consulting solutions that achieve mission-critical outcomes. Built on accountability, integrity, and quality, we go beyond expectations. With 70+ prime contracts and a proven record of client success, APV continues to grow — and we’re looking for exceptional talent to grow with us.
At APV, we Always Provide Value
POSITION SUMMARY
Always Add Value (APV) is seeking an experienced Senior Compensation and Benefits Specialist to support the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer (OCHCO). The selected individual will provide expert consultation and operational support for Federal compensation, pay administration, leave programs, retirement, and employee benefits. This position serves as a trusted advisor to DHS leadership, HR professionals, managers, and employees by ensuring compliance with Federal laws, Office of Personnel Management (OPM) regulations, and DHS policies while delivering exceptional customer service and strategic workforce support.
The Senior Compensation and Benefits Specialist will support complex compensation and benefits programs, analyze pay and benefits issues, provide retirement counseling, prepare policy guidance, and recommend process improvements that enhance operational efficiency and the employee experience.
DUTIES
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Serve as a senior subject matter expert on Federal compensation, benefits, retirement, leave administration, and pay policies.
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Provide guidance on Federal employee pay systems, premium pay, locality pay, special salary rates, recruitment, relocation, and retention incentives.
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Advise managers and employees on employee benefits, including health insurance, life insurance, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, long-term care, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
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Provide retirement counseling for employees covered under CSRS, FERS, and special retirement systems.
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Review retirement applications for completeness and accuracy prior to submission.
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Interpret and apply OPM regulations, Title 5 U.S. Code, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), DHS policies, and agency guidance related to compensation and benefits.
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Conduct compensation analyses and resolve complex pay-setting, salary determination, and leave administration issues.
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Support payroll-related inquiries and coordinate with payroll providers and servicing Human Resources Centers to resolve discrepancies.
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Prepare technical guidance, standard operating procedures, policy memoranda, training materials, and employee communications.
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Analyze compensation and benefits data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for process improvement.
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Prepare recurring and ad hoc reports, dashboards, and executive briefings supporting Human Capital leadership.
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Assist in implementing new compensation initiatives, benefits programs, and regulatory changes.
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Collaborate with Classification, Staffing, Workforce Planning, HR Information Systems, Payroll, and Executive Resources teams to ensure integrated Human Capital operations.
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Support audits, data calls, Inspector General inquiries, and compliance reviews.
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Recommend automation opportunities using workflow tools, dashboards, AI-enabled solutions, and low-code/no-code technologies to improve service delivery.
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Deliver employee education sessions and retirement or benefits workshops.
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Maintain confidentiality while handling sensitive personnel, payroll, and benefits information.
EDUCATION
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, or a related field.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
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Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible Federal Human Resources experience.
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Minimum of 5 years supporting Federal compensation, retirement, and employee benefits programs.
Extensive knowledge of:
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Federal compensation and pay administration
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Leave administration
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Retirement systems (FERS and CSRS)
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Federal employee benefits programs
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OPM regulations and guidance
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Title 5 U.S. Code and applicable CFR provisions
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Experience counseling employees and management on complex compensation and benefits matters.
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Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and SharePoint)
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a High-Risk Public Trust or equivalent federal client access. This role supports sensitive federal programs and involves elevated access to systems and data.
- Position requires the current ability to obtain and maintain required access without interruption in alignment with long-term program needs.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship now or in the future.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
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Experience supporting DHS Human Resources operations.
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Knowledge of DHS organizational structure and Human Capital policies.
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Experience with NFC, payroll systems, HR information systems, or other Federal HR technologies.
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Experience supporting HR modernization initiatives and digital transformation efforts.
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Familiarity with AI-enabled knowledge management tools, workflow automation, and employee self-service technologies.
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Experience developing dashboards and workforce analytics related to compensation and benefits.
ABOUT APV
APV is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or marital status.
